Ekiti2014: “Fayose is still standing trial on corruption charges” – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it was still probing former Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah. It added that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could determine whether former Ekiti governor and Peoples Democratic Party flag bearer, Ayodele Fayose can participate in this weekend’s governorship election. EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, addressed reporters Monday in Abuja on the commission’s activities since the month of March, responding to questions on high-profile cases the EFCC had been handling. On quizzing Ms Oduah for the alleged N255 million bulletproof cars scam, the EFCC spokesman said the commission was still at the investigation stage. “I recall, during my last briefing, I craved your indulgence to be patient with the commission. At that time, she (Ms Oduah) had not even been invited to appear before the commission. “Since our last meeting and now, all of us know she was invited, she came and made a statement to the commission. That investigation is also going on. “On Oduah, I have said it here and I want to say it again that the matter is not closed. She has been invited and she has made a statement…” When asked if the EFCC would allow Fayose to run in Saturday’s Ekiti contest, Uwujaren said only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could properly answer that. However, he added that a suspect or an accused is presumed innocent under the nation’s laws until found guilty. “I think the proper place to direct that question to is the INEC, which is the umpire over elections. It is not the EFCC. Our job is not to preside over electoral matters. “If the umpire believes that the electoral law allows such a person standing trial in court, even though he has not been convicted to stand for election, that is the job of the INEC; it is not for EFCC to decide. “Fayose, for your information, is still standing trial on corruption charges before the Federal High Court. That case has been on since 2007. Based on Appeal Court’s decision, the matter was transferred to Ekiti State, where the crime was committed. “And I recollect the last sitting of the court about two months ago. So, that matter is still fresh and he has not been cleared, the case is still in court. “But by Nigerian Judicial tradition, we assume that he is innocent until proven guilty in court and we cannot at this moment convict him until the court decides.” And on the small matter of an alleged wider and ongoing investigation of 14 sitting governors, Uwujaren simply said: “ I don’t know where you got the figure of 12 or 14 governors. I do not have any information on that. Once we have anything on any governor, we will pass the information to members of the public.”